Important News for Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins

Today (August 24, 2016), NOAA/NMFS published in the Federal Register a proposed rule under the Marine Mammal Protection Act to prohibit swimming-with and approaching Hawaiian spinner dolphins within 50 yards. These regulations are designed to reduce human activities that result in take of spinner dolphins, including harassment and disturbance.

Following is the direct link to the FR Notice:

https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2016/08/24/2016-20324/protective-regulations-for-hawaiian-spinner-dolphins-under-the-marine-mammal-protection-act

Please note that public comments are due on or before October 23, 2016.

Following is the link to the NOAA/NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office's dedicated webpage on the proposed rule with additional background documents:

http://www.fpir.noaa.gov/PRD/prd_spinner_EIS.html



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Trevor R. Spradlin, M.Res.
Acting Chief

Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division (F/PR2)
Office of Protected Resources

NOAA/National Marine Fisheries Service
Tel: 301-427-8479
E-mail: Trevor.Spradlin@noaa.gov